London is renowned for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, and its sweet shops are no exception. From traditional British sweets to international delicacies, London’s sweet shops offer a mouth-watering range of treats for all tastes. In this article, we will be exploring the 6 best Indian sweet shops in London, where you can indulge in some of the most delicious and unique sweets. Whether you have a sweet tooth or are looking for a unique gift for a loved one, these sweet shops are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of sweetness!
1. Praan Sweets & Savouries:
Sandesh, a milky sweet with a thousand iterations, is a Bengali institution. There are excellent Bengali sweets to be found across London, especially towards East Ham, but the best sandesh this writer has tried outside of Kolkata was from Praan Sweets’ Turnpike Lane branch. Praan offers two types of chennar sandesh: An off-white chinir sandesh made with sugar, and a pale golden gurer sandesh made with jaggery. Both are exceptional, taste of fresh cream, and are less sweet than one might expect.
2. Suraj Sweet Mart Wembley:
Suraj Sweet Mart’s cosy red interior and diya-shaped fairy lights draw hungry customers in, away from the bustling Ealing Road. The deep-fried balusahi are delicious, and look like glazed doughnuts, but have a dense, crumbly texture. Added sugar is widely considered to be the point of Diwali mithai, but for those seeking something without, try the anjeer barfi. It’s made with figs and is studded with cashews and pistachios: Imagine a health food energy ball, but actually good.
3. Gupta’s – Indian Sweets and Savouries:
Don’t be deterred by the festive chaos and the slightly erratic queuing system: Gupta’s in the festive season is busy for a reason. A stone’s throw from Euston, Gupta’s Drummond Street branch does a roaring trade, with patrons picking up orders by the kilogram. For a (relatively) light option, try the kacha golla, a lightly sweetened milky ball with the texture of a crumbly feta. Even rosewater sceptics have been converted by the rose sandesh, which tastes clean, bright, and lightly aromatic without being overpowering.
4. Ambala Southall Broadway:
This stalwart of the South Asian confectionery world is everywhere, with almost every one of the shops on this list having an Ambala store lurking around the corner. Established in 1965, Ambala has become a household name among South Asian communities in the UK. Sweets can be purchased in the iconic maroon and gold Ambala packaging, or in one of twenty-seven gift tin options. Consistent, dependable, and easily accessible across the capital, Ambala is a failsafe option for rapid sugary gratification.
5. Jalebi Junction:
Like most of the places on this list, Jalebi Junction offers all the regulars of the South Asian sweet world. It’s clear that most customers come here for one thing, however: the jalebi. The gentleman frying these syrupy tangles of golden batter at the front of the shop will not sell less than a 250g bag, so come hungry or with a friend. There are few simpler pleasures than enjoying them warm and crisp straight from the fryer, eaten out of a brown paper bag, while taking in the bright lights of Southall Broadway.
6. Panji Sweets & Savories:
Panji does the classics well — coconut barfi, gulab jamun, kesar peda — but it is something else altogether that captures the eye: the malai gajar barfi. This sweet looks like a miniature rectangular slice of carrot cake, but delightfully extra: A thick bottom layer of tender grated carrots cooked with milk and sugar, topped with malai (a kind of clotted cream), silver leaf, and rose petals.
London is home to some of the best sweet shops in the world, each offering unique and delicious treats that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From traditional British sweets to international delicacies, these six sweet shops have proven to be a cut above the rest in terms of quality, variety, and customer service. Whether you’re a local looking for a sweet fix or a tourist exploring the city, these sweet shops are a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. So, indulge in some of the best sweets that London has to offer and enjoy the mouth-watering delights that await you at these six sweet shops.